Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat inaugurated 2ndInternational Art Exhibition at Kala Kendra, here today.The week-long event has been organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Creative Arts (JKCCA), wherein the work of international acclaimed artists from five countries including, USA, Russia, Turkey, Bangladesh and India is on display.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister complimented the JKCCA for its endeavor to promote the art and culture in Jammu and Kashmir and said the effort will go a long way in bringing the budding artists and art loving people along. He lauded the work of the artists and called upon the organizers to continue to make efforts to promote the art and heritage of the State in different forms and provide a platform to the artists to showcase their talent. He said there is no dearth of talent in Jammu and Kashmir, but it needs to be nurtured appropriately so that the artists can prove their worth.The Minister said that the Government was committed to promote the art, culture and languages in Jammu and Kashmir, for which the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Language (JKAACL) has been playing its part and regular events are being held there. He called upon the JKCCA to work in close coordination with JKAACL to achieve the objective of promotion of arts.
Former Secretary, JKAACL, Mohammad Yousuf Taing who was guest of honor on the occasion, appreciated the role of JKCCA and its director, O P Sharma, who is also a leading artist of State for creating opportunities for the artists to exhibit their talent. He said despite not getting financial or logistical support from any agency for organizing such big events, the JKCCA has been making constant efforts to promote the art and culture and encouraging the artists from across the globe to showcase their talent. He called upon the Government to take more steps for promotion of art, culture and languages in the State and highlighting the work of the artists and providing them appropriate opportunities.Earlier, the Minister along with artists and other dignitaries had a look at the paintings on display and evinced keen interest. He also interacted with the artists and enquired about their achievements.The Minister also distributed certificates among the artists who are on their way to Jammu from different parts of the country in connection with the exhibition.In his welcome address, the Director, JKCCA, O.P. Sharma deliberated on the activities of the organization and said that present one is second international event which will be witnessed by a large number of art lovers of the State. He said the JKCCA, which is 17 years old organization has been organizing events in several parts of the country to encourage and showcase the work of artists. He said the JKCCA was established in the year 1999 and since then it has organized various competitions to promote visual arts, literature and performing arts amongst the children and youth of the State and outside with the involvement of leading artists, intellectuals. Several prominent artists from the State and country including, N.D. Jamwal, Jang S. Verman, T.S. Batra, Anuradha Devi, Amrit Kour, Ashok Mehra, Archana Sharma, Aslam Naqishbandi, Deepa Singh, Divya Sharma, Harbans Jolly, Ms. Gaytri, Jatinder Kour, Harsimrat Kour, K.S. Gill, Pt. Kewal K. Sharma and several art lovers from Jammu were present on the occasion.